Chinese Carrier Air Central Approved for US Cargo Routes Starting July

Key Details Air Central has secured U.S. Department of Transportation approval to launch scheduled cargo operations to the United States in July. The carrier received a one-year temporary exemption from the standard foreign air carrier permit process, allowing operations through April 20, 2027. Initial service will run three times weekly from Zhengzhou to Chicago and Los Angeles using two Boeing 747-400 freighter aircraft. Why It Matters This approval signals growing competition in international air cargo markets as Chinese carriers expand globally. Air Central's fast-tracked exemption took just one month to process, significantly quicker than recent approvals for other Chinese airlines. The carrier plans to add two more widebody freighters by end of 2026 and four additional aircraft between 2027-2030, positioning itself for major market penetration in Europe and South Asia. Background Founded in 2015 and acquired by Henan Province's government in 2019, Air Central primarily operates domestically with converted Boeing 737 freighters and older aircraft. The carrier's expansion into U.S. markets reflects broader industry trends of Asian cargo operators targeting North American routes to capture e-commerce and international freight demand.